Man held in escort ‘kidnap plot’ probe

Following his revelations to the Sun newspaper earlier this week, the 31-year-old man reported to police that he had received threatening text messages to his mobile phone.

A 29-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap. He has since been bailed by police pending further inquiries.

A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said: “A warrant was executed at an address in Radcliffe and a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap. He has been bailed pending further inquiries.

“This investigation is at an early stage and inquiries into the nature of the threats are ongoing.”

The 31-year-old male escort was not named by the Sun at his request as he made allegations that Mr Flowers would often talk about work while the Methodist minister paid for his services.

He told the newspaper: “He (Flowers) said there was going to be a public announcement about how a deal with Lloyds TSB had fallen through.

“A few days later I heard it on the news.”

Mr Flowers, 63, was released on bail by West Yorkshire Police on Friday after questioning over drug supply allegations.

He stepped down as Co-op Bank chairman in June and questions have since been asked about his competence in the role amid emerging claims of illegal drug use, inappropriate expenses, drink-driving and pornographic material found on a council computer.